“If Tyson, 57, can do it, why can’t I?”

“I thought if Tyson can do it at 57, why can’t I do it at 50? And that’s what happened.”

Azerbaijani boxer Ali Ismailov said in an interview with Idman.biz.

We present this interview:

– You won the title of CIS National Champion at Fight Night in Moscow. How do you evaluate your fight with Rasul Magomedov?

– Of course, I highly appreciate it. After a long break, I am proud to have returned to the ring at the age of 50 and to have achieved such a result. I can confidently say that I brought the first CIS belt to our country. Ali Ismailov was able to do this.

– How did you decide to return to the ring after such a long time?

– During the pandemic, there were no matches and no training. At the time, I was also watching Tyson’s training process and his fight in Miami after the pandemic through the Internet. It was as if the legendary words made me feel “sick”. I thought, if Tyson, 57, can do it, why can’t I, 50? It happened. After a year of hard work and training, I have participated in the competition.

– How are you preparing?

– I prepared for this fight very seriously. Because he is a serious competitor. We are not fit to lose here. Our main training was carried out at the “Sabail” sports club. We conducted joint exercises under the leadership of Zhar Gabrayev. I spent the whole day running cross-country on the New Boulevard to strengthen my breathing. I was already in good shape.

– Are you thinking about the next game?

– Our plans for the future are big. I have to defend this gold belt that I won. Then I will try my best to win European and world belts. My goal is to bring the European belt to Azerbaijan. If these plans come true, I will continue professional boxing. I will not give up this path until I feel my strength.

– How does it feel to win the championship at the age of 50?

– It’s incredible for me. I never dreamed that I would be a champion at 50. But when I returned to professional boxing, I set myself a goal to become a world champion at 50, like a world celebrity in this field.

– When will the next opponent be determined?

– There is nothing certain yet. We learn about the opponents and sign contracts 2-3 months before the game. Regardless of the opponent, I will try my best to win them.